FAQ

How does it work?

How does it work?

An inaudible sound wave that is embedded into a video is broadcast through any type of
speaker (TV, phone, computer, digital sign, stadium speakers, etc). This sound wave is then received through your mobile device's microphone. The proprietary algorithms within the Soundpays app de-code
the transmission, extract the embedded product purchase information and then serve it to
the mobile device screen. The user can review the information and elect to make a single-
touch purchase. Once the user accepts the purchase, funds are transferred to the merchant via the industry-standard transaction processing ecosystem.
The customer receives an emailed receipt and if product requires shipping, this information
is then shared with the merchant’s fulfillment system. The whole purchase process takes
between 1 and 3 seconds.

How secure is it?

How secure is it?

We believe Soundpays to be one of the most, if not the most, secure mobile wallet. Credit card information is never stored on the device or our servers, nor is it transmitted over the air. Consistent with the current premier security standards, the credit card data is directly
passed to our payment processing partners upon sign up which returns a payment
token to be stored on our PCI-compliant server. All Soundpays communication is encrypted
through a secure internet connection.

Each transaction is intent based – the user must open the app, activate the listening
process by swiping up the payment icon and then confirm the purchase. Even if someone
were to replicate the sound wave, it would not be possible to change the destination
merchant account in the Soundpays system. This safeguard makes it impossible to
generate unwanted transactions on a user account and therefore reduces fraud risk to
effectively zero. Each party in every transaction needs to be authenticated on Soundpays'
payment server.

3. Audio files represent only a cart and do not include any payment details.

What about the issue of user consent and tracking?

What about the issue of user consent and tracking?

During installation, a prompt asks for user consent to access the microphone.
Users are also clearly made aware of the app's capability to hear inaudible signals, but only
at the specific voluntary request of the user on an "as and when desired" basis.

- No recording. Soundpays does not record audio, it only recognizes specific ultrasonic wave
patterns to identify a cart token when the user activates the listening process.

- No geo-fencing or intrusive notification.

- No distribution of personal information or usage history to third parties.

Do speakers have to be on all the time?

Do speakers have to be on all the time?

Yes, while no soundtrack or audible sound needs to be emitted from the speaker in order to transact, speakers must be on and functioning well.

Basic built-in laptop and iPad speakers as well as low-end external speakers have all been successfully utilized by Soundpays to transmit information ultrasonically.

What about noise levels?

What about noise levels?

Ambient noises are typically generated in a much lower frequency range and as such do not
generate interference with our higher-frequency ultrasonic signals. The Soundpays solution
has been successfully utilized in nightclubs, airports, coffee shops (coffee grinders emit high
frequency signals) and other environments with high-levels of extraneous clamour. There is
no negative impact of background noise on the reliability of the signal.

What is the effective range and coverage?

What is the effective range and coverage?

Distance and coverage are both a function of speaker volume and direction. Theoretical range is 500ft but in most use cases, outside of arenas and stadiums, a 20-50ft range is sufficient and has been successfully proven with basic speakers.

Multiple offers broadcast from several displays in close proximity to each other?

Multiple offers broadcast from several displays in close proximity to each other?

In the case of competing or intersecting ultrasonic transmissions from different sources in
the same locale, the loudest (closest to the speaker) signal is the one that will be picked up
by the phone. On-site speaker volume calibration is required when there are multiple sound
projection sources in the same vicinity. This will ensure that the offer presented from an
ultrasonic transmission will be received by only those phones closest to the screen
broadcasting the transmission.

Alternatively, all displays located in close proximity could be broadcasting the same cart
token associated with several products/offers, letting the user choose the desired deal from a
menu screen.

What about interoperability?

What about interoperability?

The Soundpays wallet is completely interoperable. It does not matter if a Soundpays-
branded or White Label partner-branded app resides on the phone, users will be able to
complete a transaction from any medium broadcasting a Soundpays-generated ultrasonic
transmission, using any app powered by Soundpays.

What if I keep getting an error message after 10 seconds of listening? (iPhone)

What if I keep getting an error message after 10 seconds of listening? (iPhone)

First make sure your audio is turned on. Then check your settings app to make sure you have allowed access to the microphone. Click settings - scroll down to "Soundpays" - toggle microphone to "On".

What if I keep getting an error message after 10 seconds of listening? (Android)

What if I keep getting an error message after 10 seconds of listening? (Android)

Open your device's app drawer and tap the "Settings" icon, then tap "Apps", then tap "Soundpays", then tap "Permissions". From this screen, toggle the "Microphone" switch to ON.

What if an error message is immediately displayed after swiping my card up?

What if an error message is immediately displayed after swiping my card up?